How vascular dementia is identified?
How vascular dementia is identified?
A person suspected of having vascular dementia will generally have a brain scan to look for any changes that have taken place in the brain. A scan such as CT (computerised tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may rule out a tumour or build-up of fluid inside the brain.
How is vascular dementia different from other dementias?
The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. In vascular dementia, these symptoms occur when the brain is damaged because of problems with the supply of blood to the brain.
Is there a difference between Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia?
Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, vascular dementia may be under-diagnosed. In fact, many individuals suffer from both forms dementia, displaying symptoms of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.
What kind of tests are used to diagnose vascular dementia?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of the brain. Neuropsychological assessments. These tests can help sort out vascular dementia from other types of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
How old do you have to be to have vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia is more common in people aged 60 to 75 and is more likely to occur in men than women. There is no cure for vascular dementia, but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the better chance there is of reducing the impact and severity of symptoms. The goal of vascular dementia treatment is to improve the conditions that may be causing it.
What causes the hardening of the arteries in vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia is generally caused by conditions that occur most often in older people, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, and stroke. The number of people older than 65 years is increasing. People are living longer with chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. What causes vascular dementia?
When do you get a diagnosis of vascular dementia?
If the person has dementia, and the circumstances mean it is best explained by vascular disease in the brain, a diagnosis of vascular dementia will be made. For example, the dementia may have developed within a few months of a stroke, or a brain scan may show a pattern of disease that explains the dementia symptoms.
Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, vascular dementia may be under-diagnosed. In fact, many individuals suffer from both forms dementia, displaying symptoms of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.
How does vascular dementia affect memory and speech?
Vascular Dementia. Vascular dementia is a condition that causes changes in thinking skills. Vascular dementia can cause problems with memory, speech or balance. These changes can happen suddenly or begin mildly and get worse over time. Vascular dementia is caused by conditions that damage blood vessels, reducing or blocking blood flow to the brain.
What happens in Stage 6 of vascular dementia?
Stage 6: Second Last Stage – Middle Vascular Dementia Individuals in this severe stage begin to lose memory and usually recollect things happened and things they did in their past. They become more delusional and even cannot remember close friends and family members’ names.